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Trenching Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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Heavy Equipment Operator - Underground Utility Experience

Oak Park, MI · On-site

$30 - $38/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This position requires experience working around underground utilities, trenching operations, grading, and pipe installation while maintaining a safe and efficient job site. The Heavy Equipment ...

General Labor

New Hudson, MI · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... such as trenching, piping, mechanical components Note: This is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may perform other related duties as necessary to meet the ongoing needs of the ...

Electrician

Northville, MI · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Trace wiring and troubleshoot problems * Assist in load testing generator packages * Assist in other phases of preparation and setting of power generation equipment and products such as trenching ...

Concrete Foreman

Pontiac, MI

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Trenching & excavation - shoring, sloping, shielding and soil classification * Calculate & order material * Ability to work effectively with all personality types * Ability to understand and carry ...

Lead Electrician Foreman

Holly, MI · On-site

$35 - $55/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Operate or assist company-owned hydro-vac trucks for safe potholing and trenching around existing utilities. * Operate heavy equipment (i.e.: skid steer, mini-excavator, high volume air compressor ...

General Labor

New Hudson, MI · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... such as trenching, piping, mechanical components Note: This is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may perform other related duties as necessary to meet the ongoing needs of the ...

Hydrovac Truck Operator

Lansing, MI

$18.50 - $23.50/hr

Perform daylighting, potholing, trenching, and debris removal in accordance with project requirements and safety standards. * Safely locate and expose underground utilities, minimizing risk of damage ...

Perform daylighting, potholing, trenching, and debris removal in accordance with project requirements and safety standards. * Safely locate and expose underground utilities, minimizing risk of damage ...

Hydrovac Operator

New Boston, MI

$17.25 - $19.75/hr

Responsible for the successful completion of hydro excavation projects including utility line exposure, debris removal, slot trenching, and digging * Operate Hydrovac trucks and equipment in a safe ...

Concrete Foreman

Pontiac, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Trenching & excavation - shoring, sloping, shielding and soil classification * Calculate & order material * Ability to work effectively with all personality types * Ability to understand and carry ...

Hydrovac Operator

New Boston, MI · On-site

$17.25 - $19.75/hr

Responsible for the successful completion of hydro excavation projects including utility line exposure, debris removal, slot trenching, and digging * Operate Hydrovac trucks and equipment in a safe ...

Electrician

New Hudson, MI · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Trace wiring and troubleshoot problems * Assist in load testing generator packages * Assist in other phases of preparation and setting of power generation equipment and products such as trenching ...

Hydrovac Operator

New Boston, MI · On-site

$17.25 - $19.75/hr

Responsible for the successful completion of hydro excavation projects including utility line exposure, debris removal, slot trenching, and digging * Operate Hydrovac trucks and equipment in a safe ...

Showing results 21-40

Trenching information

What is a trenching?

A trenching job involves excavating narrow, deep ditches in the ground, typically for laying utilities such as pipes, cables, or drainage systems. Trenching requires specialized equipment like trenchers or excavators to dig safely and efficiently. Workers must follow safety regulations to prevent cave-ins, equipment accidents, and other hazards. It is commonly used in construction, utility installation, and landscaping projects. Proper planning and protective measures, such as trench shoring or sloping, are crucial for worker safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in trenching?

To thrive in Trenching, you need strong physical stamina, knowledge of site safety practices, and experience operating excavation equipment, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with trenching machines, utility locators, and compliance with OSHA safety standards is commonly required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are valuable soft skills that help ensure job site safety and efficiency. These skills are essential because trenching work involves physical demands, technical precision, and close coordination with crew members to prevent accidents and complete projects successfully.

What are some common challenges faced in trenching?

One of the main challenges in a Trenching role is dealing with varying soil conditions and unexpected underground obstacles, which can require rapid problem-solving and adaptation on the job. Workers also need to maintain strict adherence to safety protocols to prevent cave-ins and other hazards. Communication and collaboration with utility crews, supervisors, and other construction specialists are critical for safely completing projects. Additionally, working outdoors in changing weather conditions can be demanding, but proper training and teamwork help make these challenges manageable.

What are the most commonly searched types of Trenching jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Trenching jobs in Michigan are:

Infographic showing various Trenching job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Heavy Equipment Operator - Underground Utility Experience

Bricco Excavating

Oak Park, MI • On-site

$30 - $38/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

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Job description

Bricco Excavating Co, LLC is seeking to hire a Heavy Equipment Operator to join our excavating team in the Oak Park, MI region.


About Bricco Excavating Co, LLC

Who is Bricco Excavating Co, LLC.?

Bricco Excavating Co, LLC is an underground utility contractor serving the Metro Detroit region since 1996. Specializing in water main infrastructure and public works projects, we are bonded and insured for government contracts and committed to delivering high quality work safely and efficiently.


At Bricco Excavating, we value integrity, teamwork, safety, and reliability. We are proud of the strong relationships we have built with our employees, customers, and suppliers and strive to provide a safe, productive, and rewarding work environment.


Position Overview

Heavy Equipment Operator with Underground Utility Experience


The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for operating excavators, loaders, dozers, and other heavy machinery to support watermain and underground utility installation, repair, and maintenance projects. This position requires experience working around underground utilities, trenching operations, grading, and pipe installation while maintaining a safe and efficient job site. The Heavy Equipment Operator will work outdoors in varying weather conditions and coordinate closely with field crews to ensure projects are completed accurately and safely.


Regular & Timely attendance is essential


Compensation

• Full Time

• $30-$38 per hour


Equipment Experience Preferred

• Dozers

• Excavators

• Rubber Tire

• Backhoe

• Hoe Pack

• Concrete Breaking

• Loaders

• Skid Steers

• Underground utility excavation

• Finish Grading


Responsibilities

• Perform excavation work for watermain, sewer, storm, and underground utility installations

• Excavate trenches to proper depth and grade while maintaining trench safety standards

• Work closely with pipe crews during utility installation operations

• Read and interpret utility markings, grade stakes, and construction plans

• Safely expose existing underground utilities and work around live utility systems

• Operate excavators, loaders, bulldozers, backhoes, and other heavy equipment safely and efficiently within the equipment’s operating capabilities to ensure deadlines of job are met

• Follow OSHA regulations, company safety policies, and excavation safety standards

• Load and unload materials and equipment as needed

• Conduct daily equipment inspections and basic preventative maintenance

• Ensure equipment is properly shut down and stored securely at the end of the shift

• Assist with general labor duties when equipment operation is not required

• Maintain clean and organized job sites


Qualifications

• High school or GED level education preferred

• Minimum 2+ years of heavy equipment operating experience in underground utility construction

• Experience with watermain installation projects preferred

• Strong experience operating excavators around underground utilities

• Ability to read blueprints, grade stakes and utility plans preferred

• Knowledge of water mains, storm drains and sewer systems

• Knowledge of trenching, grading, and excavation safety procedures

• Understanding of underground utility locating and safe digging practices

• Must be able to perform strenuous work in various weather conditions and seasons

• Valid driver’s license required

• Must be able to pass a drug test in accordance with local law/regulations


Skills & Requirements

• Attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship

• Must possess knowledge of equipment & workplace safety

• Ability to work independently, with accuracy and in accordance with company safety and quality standards

• Ability to communicate effectively with crew members and supervisors

• Follow instructions given both orally and in writing

• Must be able to communicate with other employees for the purpose of hazard recognition, problem solving and other purposes

• Dependable attendance and punctuality with the ability to work extended hours as required to complete the job

• Must have reliable transportation to work with the ability to travel depending on the project

• Strong equipment operating skills and mechanical aptitude

• Ability to work safely in congested underground utility environments

• Ability to lift 50+ pounds and perform physical work as needed.


Benefits

• 401K Plan with Company Match

• Fully Paid Medical

• Paid Holidays

• PTO package with vacation time tied to length of employment

• Dental, Vision, Life Insurance (Option)


Equal Opportunity Employer


We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of Race, Color, Sex, Religion, National Origin, Age, Marital or Veteran Status, The presence of a Medical Condition or Handicap, Height, Weight, or any Protected Status.


Must have a valid driver's license and be willing to take a drug test, in accordance with local law/regulations.